#you could tell that do-young knew that dong-soo would win

[drrav3nb]

This makes us...true partners

[odanurr87]

2019: My year in K-Dramas - Part 2

And we’re back! So, um, yeah, this took a lot longer than I imagined at first, but the truth is I was also dealing with coursework and other projects. As a result, I decided to break this last post into two, so instead of 6 shows in 1 post, you get 6 shows across 2 posts, building anticipation like a kdrama! And, I mean, two of those shows are My Love from the Star and Descendants of the Sun... Those two powerhouses deserve a bit more attention, maybe a couple of rewatches. Anyway, let’s get this show on the road!

WARNING! I’ve purposefully kept any big spoilers out of this post but some light spoilers may remain. Proceed with caution.

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When the Camellia Blooms (2019)

Gong Hyo-Jin as Oh Dong-Baek and Kang Ha-Neul as Hwang Yong-Sik.

Release Date: September 18 - November 21, 2019

Episodes: 20

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Dong-Baek is a single mother who moves to the town of Ongsan to open up a bar, the Camellia, while trying to raise her son, Pil-Gu. Six years later, Yong-Sik, a police officer and the youngest son of Dong-Baek’s only friend in Ongsan, returns and is instantly smitten by her. Yong-Sik is determined to woo her but Dong-Baek is also equally determined to resist his advances at first, a situation that is further complicated by the sudden reappearance of Dong-Baek’s ex and Pil-Gu’s biological father, Kang Jong-Ryul, who tries to win her back. When a serial killer known as Joker resurfaces after years of inactivity threatening to go after Dong-Baek, Yong-Sik launches an investigation to catch the elusive Joker once and for all.

What I liked:

The down-to-earth feel of the show. Save for the murder mystery element of the show, When the Camellia Blooms is pretty down-to-earth, depicting characters that could very much exist in our neighbourhood and exploring problems related to everyday life. How many kdramas show the struggles of a single mom trying to handle a love life while raising her son? I bet there are not a lot of them, and the only similar one I’ve watched, and would recommend, is One Spring Night, that depicts the life of a single dad balancing a romantic relationship while raising his son (it’s probably a more realistic representation all around down even to side characters). Even Yong-Sik is not the idealized male protagonist that most kdramas favour, at one point referred to as a “country bumpkin” by Dong-Baek’s ex, and while he may come across as rather simple-minded, he’s also refreshingly honest, determined (both in his pursuit of Dong-Baek and Joker), hard-working, and always there when the chips fall. While Dong-Baek’s ex is an ass for the majority of the show, I appreciated his inclusion because it clearly showed the contrast between the two characters vying for Dong-Baek’s affections: the man who pities her, and the man who encourages her; the man who’s ashamed of how she’s living her life, and the man who’s proud of what she has accomplished; the man who loves his memory of her, and the man who loves her as she is now; her past, and her present. Which one of the two will become her future?

The supporting cast. I am going to put them all together in the same bag as I don’t think anyone was particularly outstanding, but they all contributed to making this show a most entertaining watch from beginning to end: from Yong-Sik’s superior and chief of police, Byun Bae-Soo (played by Jeon Bae-Soo), through the simple-minded landlord with political aspirations, Noh Gyu-Tae (played by Oh Jung-Se), his cunning wife and ace attorney, Hong Ja-Young (played by Yeom Hye-Rae), to Dong-Baek’s kleptomaniac friend, Choi Hyang-Mi (played by Son Dam-Bi). At one point I even became more interested in the relationship between the characters of Gyu-Tae and Ja-Young, so strong were their performances. And I couldn’t help but feel sad for Hyang-Mi despite her many opportunistic deeds, a character who’s had a life as unforgiving as Dong-Baek, especially when we learn the reason behind some of her actions, and happy for her when she realises family isn’t always blood and ultimately chooses to walk a path of redemption. Sure wish we had seen more of that. You could make the case that Gyu-Tae and Hyang-Mi are the best out of the supporting cast, perhaps because of how much their characters grow over the course of the show.

What I didn’t like:

How the murder-mystery was handled/resolved. The first episode starts with the murder of an unknown person at some unspecified point in the future, a typical enough hook. We’re shown that person is someone who Yong-Sik apparently knew and cared for, but even when later episodes extend that scene frame by frame, tempting the audience to participate in this game of whodunit, the identity is only allowed to be revealed when the series catches up to that moment. The murder mystery element is sprinkled throughout the series as Yong-Sik is intent on protecting Dong-Baek and catching the serial killer Joker. But this isn’t Broadchurch, where the entire show revolves around solving the murder mystery and seeing its effects on the people of the small town of Dorset. No, in a way, the murder mystery in When the Camellia Blooms feels like a strategy, designed so that when the real goal of the show is revealed, the exploration of motherhood, you’ll be too invested to back out. One could argue the same for the romance between Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik. As a result, the murder-mystery feels drawn out and starts losing some of its steam as we approach the final episodes. Involving Dong-Baek’s mother in the whole affair was oddly convenient but felt out of place and worked against the show. Here we have a woman who knows, or thinks she knows, who the killer is several episodes before the end, and not only does she not tell the police about it but she actually confronts the killer. In any other show, the outcome would have been inevitable: the woman is murdered, leaving the police another clue as to who might have done it. However, since the show has already planned a happy ending for this character, she can’t be killed (incidentally, this happens with another character as well), even if the show later tries to toy with our feelings by suggesting she’s dead (not because of Joker though). The reveal of the culprit’s identity was a letdown, not only because the writers showed their hand early on but because we were never really given good suspects to begin with, and in a murder mystery that’s essential. Yes, we’re given a good pool of suspects for Joker’s latest victim, but since we also know Joker killed other people and is targeting Dong-Baek, not to mention the tone and themes of the show, we can readily eliminate almost all of them. They could’ve toyed around with the idea of a copycat, killing a person and pinning it on Joker, but they didn’t. And don’t get me started on how they finally catch Joker, this dreaded serial killer who had managed to avoid capture for years but turned out be to a bit of a joke, pun intended.

How insufferable Pil-Gu became towards the end. To be fair, I blame the adults (and writers) in this show more than I do Pil-Gu. I had no qualms about how his character had been handled for most of the show, but then along came Episode 17, where the writers decided to amp the drama to 11 just for the sake of it, a trope I really don’t like. Basically, through a series of misunderstandings that no adult feels compelled to clear up, Pil-Gu throws a tantrum, accusing her mother of not loving him anymore, and why does she need to get married, and why can’t she live alone with him for the rest of her life, etc., etc., forgetting it was Pil-Gu who, earlier that episode, had asked Yong-Sik to stay at their home and protect his mom. Like I said, nobody even bothers to explain the situation to him (even though he’s shown to be pretty smart and should’ve probably figured it out himself) and, worse, Dong-Baek plays along and decides to break up with Yong-Sik, determined never to love anyone other than Pil-Gu for the rest of her life. Jesus. As if wanting to twist the knife further, Episode 18 ends with a grown-up Pil-Gu, a jarring and decidedly out-of-place transition, suggesting he grew up to be a fine man as a result of her mom’s decision, but anyone who’s ever watched a kdrama knows better than that: you’re just padding out events for the sake of drama and this show didn’t need that. At this point, I lost whatever appreciation I might have had for the character of Pil-Gu and was half rooting for Yong-Sik to be promoted and get his ass back to Seoul ASAP, never to return to Ongsan again.

The existence of Episode 18. Yes, this is the episode where Dong-Baek and Yong-Sik break up, but that’s not what I’m getting at as I discussed that point previously. Episode 18 also sees Pil-Gu suddenly want to live with his biological father out of a misunderstanding (so many misunderstandings in these last few episodes!) and Kang Jong-Ryul try to act as that father to him. It’s clear he’s out of his depth with Pil-Gu, but he seems to be trying so it feels jarring when Dong-Baek returns for Pil-Gu and punches him in the face. Look, Jong-Ryul has been a bit of an ass throughout so he has more than earned that punch but not in this context. The show immediately kicks in the music that depicts this as a moment of triumph and personal growth for Dong-Baek but I kept thinking, “The one time this dude is actually trying to step up to the plate, assuming his responsibilities as a father, and he gets punched for it? Sure, he’s not that great but he’s only had Pil-Gu for, what, a week? Less? And it’s not like he kidnapped him or anything. This doesn’t even make sense.” And what growth are we talking about when she immediately caters to the whims of a kid and breaks up with Yong-Sik? Who is the adult in this relationship? Are there any adults in this show? There’s a decidedly marked absence of fathers, and those there are aren’t shown in a very good light but that’s another matter. Episode 18 is, quite simply, an episode that shouldn’t exist as it really brings nothing to the table and only pads out the inevitable.

OTP: While not my #1 pick amongst the shows I watched in 2019, it was refreshingly different, with the show slowly building their relationship in spite of Yong-Sik’s relentless attempts to woo Dong-Baek. In any other show, such determination could’ve come across as annoying, perhaps bordering on harassment, but this is mitigated by Yong-Sik’s sincere personality, his active listening of Dong-Baek’s problems, his support and encouragement of her, and ultimately his respect of the boundaries set by Dong-Baek, a woman who is not accustomed to such repeated shows of affection and is ill-equipped to handle them. It was very rewarding to see her evolution as a character, finding the confidence to grow out of her shell, even if there were some flaws in the journey.

Verdict: While the show trips a little at the end it was a solid watch, and I could see myself returning to it every once in a while because of its mundane (and I’m using this word as a compliment here) aspects. It doesn’t hurt it has some good humour in between all the crying. Oh, yes, there’s a reason why I chose that particular gif to represent the relationship between Yong-Sik and Dong-Baek.

Rewatch meter: I’m going to cheat and say it’s Medium-to-High.

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Bring it on, ghost (2016)

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji, and Ok Taec-Yeon as Park Bong-Pal.

Release Date: July 11 - August 30, 2016

Episodes: 16

Available on: Netflix, Viki

Summary: Park Bong-Pal is a 2nd year Economics student with a side job as an exorcist due to his strange ability to see ghosts, a fact that has prevented him from having a normal life and that he deeply resents. One night, while performing an exorcism at a high school, he comes across Kim Hyun-Ji, a former high school student turned wandering spirit, who has no recollection of her past but possesses an innate talent to fight ghosts and spot their weak points. During this encounter, the two accidentally kiss, and Hyun-Ji briefly recalls some of her memories. Convinced Bong-Pal holds the key to her memories and determined to find out more, she manages to persuade a reluctant Bong-Pal to let her move in in exchange for helping him fight ghosts. But Bong-Pal soon learns that not all ghosts are evil, and some may be even cute enough to fall for.

What I liked:

Kim So-Hyun as Kim Hyun-Ji. Do I need to add anything further? That picture should be enough evidence in and of itself. Kim So-Hyun looks like she’s having a blast acting as a kickass high-school student/ghost who has a penchant for upsetting Bong-Pal and looking criminally cute while doing so. With a personality like that, it’s no wonder Bong-Pal couldn’t help but fall for her. Who wouldn’t? Perhaps what makes her character so lovable is precisely the fact that she works off of Bong-Pal’s more curt personality. As they say, opposites attract.

Lee David as Kim In-Rang and Kang Ki-Young as Choi Cheon-Sang.

The humor. I’ll admit that I miscalculated with these two in the beginning, resigning myself to having to endure their interventions in what I felt was shaping up to be an otherwise great show. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find they made for some good comic relief, especially after they convince Bong-Pal to let them handle the business side of exorcising ghosts and join him and Hyun-Ji in their nightly escapades. That sounded better in my head. The humor is never crass and, most importantly, it never outlasts its welcome. Hey, they even try to do him a solid and hitch him with his crush, but Hyun-Ji has already managed to work her magic on him unbeknownst to her. In fact, much of the show’s humor is also a credit to the comedic rapport between the characters of Bong-Pal and Hyun-Ji, especially in the earlier episodes when their different personalities are most notable, but also later on when feelings of jealousy start to surface. Their playful bickering is often reproduced in some of the background music used and is also present in some of the ghost fights as if saying, “Yeah, we’re fighting a pervert ghost in a sauna and having a blast, what of it?”

The formula. What do I mean by that? For the most part, this show works like a procedural, with Hyun-Ji and Bong-Pal fighting the ghost of the week in each successive episode, while at the same time having a multi-episodic story-arc. This is the formula used in US TV shows: introduce an interesting story-arc in the first few episodes, then forget all about it until the final episodes of the season, with filler episodes in between. The difference being Bring it on, Ghost is actually a good procedural: there are no filler episodes, every ghost fight serves a purpose, whether it be to develop our protagonists (at times providing interesting backstory) or to strengthen their bond, and the main story-arc is always subtly running in the background until the paths of our protagonists and villain cross and events come to a head. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, US TV shows should seriously consider having shorter and tighter seasons, as their quality suffers otherwise. Bong Pal and Hyun-Ji’s ghost fights will also sometimes include moral or life lessons that flow naturally and never feel forced; nobody’s beating you over the head with them and shouting, “DO YOU GET IT NOW?!” As you can imagine, they’re certainly more subtle than US TV shows, but then again kdramas seem to have mastered the art of telling a lot without actually saying it, something others could learn from.

What I didn’t like:

The amnesia trope. Look, before you say anything, I understand why it’s there, sorta, it’s a reversal of Kim Hyun-Ji’s clinginess (that is an actual word) to Bong-Pal, if for different reasons. I don’t mind that it happened, but what I do mind is that it’s never reversed, making it somewhat difficult to believe that she’d fall for a stranger in what appears to be a very short amount of time. You could argue she’s unconsciouscly attracted to him given their past connection, and the show does at one point suggest that she may be regaining her memories, or that it’s possible at least, but nothing comes of it. This sudden bout of amnesia also offers her temporary protection from the villain, but at the end of the day I am left thinking that the show could’ve done without it or reverse it at the very end.

OTP:  It’s a team effort, but Kim So-Hyun kills it!

Verdict: An infinitely rewatchable show with an all-around solid cast and great sense of humor. Like Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon, this show is sure to put a smile on your face if you’re feeling down or if you simply want to have a good time.

Rewatch meter: High

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One More Time (2016)

Kim Myung Soo as Yoo Tan, and Yoon So-Hee as Moon Da-In.

Release Date: October 26 - December 14, 2016

Episodes: 8

Available on: Netflix

Summary: Yoo Tan is the lead singer of an indie band called One More Time, together with his girlfriend, Moon Da-In, and his childhood friends. However, with bills mounting and his hopes for success dwindling, his relationships take a turn for the worse. When he’s offered to sign a contract with a music label, Yoo Tan sees his long-awaited chance and decides to burn all bridges to his past life, but an unexpected event that forces him to constantly relive the past twenty-four hours makes him reconsider his outlook on life.

What I liked:

The concept. The idea of being stuck in a time loop is not a particularly new one, with Groundhog Day being the most obvious, and highly entertaining, exponent, although I do remember an episode of Stargate SG-1 called “Window of Opportunity” that exploited the same concept, if to a different effect. As in Groundhog Day, One More Time uses this idea as a vehicle of self-reflection for the main character, transforming him from a bitter, selfish, and somewhat egocentric person, to someone far more likable, who recognises the value in the friendships he has forged and rediscovers the love he holds for the woman who has always been there for him. But this is only the prelude to our story as One More Time extends this concept by providing a reason for the time loop: tying it to Moon Da-In’s life, or death. In Groundhog Day, Bill Murray’s character, Phil, is eventually confronted by the fact that, for all the things he can do as a result of the day resetting, he cannot prevent death no matter how hard he tries. This is a sobering moment for our main character. However, Yoo Tan goes through an even more harrowing crucible, as the person whose death he seemingly cannot prevent is his girlfriend, Da-In. Thus, the series shows us Yoo Tan’s many attempts to save her while delving into Da-In’s past. Will he succeed and get a second chance at a life with Da-In? I guess you’ll have to watch the show for that.

The songs. With a running time of 240 minutes, give or take, don’t expect a large soundtrack (compared to most kdramas), but I believe that is something that actually works in the show’s favour, as the songs are always used to highlight a given context, thus engraving them in your mind and rendering them memorable. I don’t really know how to explain it, and I blame my musical illiteracy. Sadly, the powers that be didn’t think that such a short web series was worthy of having a physical or even digital soundtrack release, what made finding any trace of these songs rather difficult for the past few years. Fortunately, one of the composers and singer, known as ODD, has recently released some tracks on her YouTube channel. These are: ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Birds,’ ‘Without you,’ and ‘In this night.’ While ‘Moonlight’ is my personal favourite, all four tracks are entirely deserving of being released, at least on Spotify so I can listen to them over and over again. With Spotify apparently coming to South Korea this year, that may yet be the case. There is also the main song, ‘One More Time,’ sang by none other than Kim Myung Soo himself in perhaps the most emotional scene in the drama, but it still remains elusive.

The leads and their chemistry. I had absolutely no trouble believing these two were in love with their longing stares and beautiful smiles. Kim Myung Soo and Yoon So-Hee did an incredible job (and the writers too, obviously) selling me on their relationship in such a short amount of time. At every point in the show I could understand where the characters were coming from, how much they cared for one another, and why they’d go to great lengths to protect their better half. Yes, they go through a rough patch at the beginning of the show, but that only makes it feel more real and it’s a necessary stepping stone in Yoo Tan’s character arc. I also really liked how the show took the time to explore Da-In’s past and see events from her perspective, highlighting just how central her character is to the plot of the story. Can’t say anymore for fear of spoilers. Really wish these two actors were to collaborate again in main roles.

Kim Ji-Young as the Grim Reaper. The way the show integrated a Grim Reaper was well thought out, and making her a child was a stroke of genius played to great comedic effect. I mean, who’d think this cute child was the embodiment of Death? Her childlike appearance is contrasted by her adult personality, and you can see she’s more than a bit fed up with troublesome humans who make her job more difficult than it already is, and she grows increasingly annoyed at a particular pair of them. I’ll let you guess who. Come to think of it, she reminds me a little of the older version of Samshin, the goddess of birth and fate, from Goblin. A great character all around without whom the show would be considerably lessened.

What I didn’t like:

Honestly, there’s really nothing that comes to mind. Sure, I could nitpick and say that some characters and storylines are dropped midway through the show, but I think it’s fair to say they had served their purpose, and trying to account for them in later episodes would’ve wasted the show’s valuable runtime. Could it have benefited from having a few more episodes? I suppose it’s possible, and I would’ve welcomed the chance to spend more time with these characters, but I believe the show was effective in telling its story across eight episodes, and any more could have placed the narrative under considerable stress. For instance, while I absolutely love Angel’s Last Mission: Love (incidentally, also starring Kim Myung Soo), one has to admit the plot was stretched longer than it needed to, and certain events do not hold up under further scrutiny.

OTP: 

There is no sadness that last for eternity. There is no love that lasts for eternity either.

I’m going to vote that there is.

Which one are you voting for? Love or sadness?

Sad love.

Verdict: They say that good things come in small doses. If so, that fits this show perfectly. It was my introduction to Kim Myung Soo, who would then go on to deliver a stronger performance in Angel’s Last Mission: Love, as well as my introduction to Yoon So-Hee, whom I’d love to see in more main roles. While delivered in a short format I’m not used to, the show’s creators made the most of it and not a single minute feels wasted. An interesting concept that benefits from some tight writing, beautiful music, solid leads, and a lovable OTP, packaged as a mini-series. What more could I want?

Rewatch meter: High

[gwynne-fics]

Silver Lining

chapter twenty-two

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Young-Do muttered to himself as he fooled around with the selfie stick. He promised he would have these pictures to her by the time her plane landed in LA. It wasn’t that he was uncomfortable photographing his nudity. He understood her reasons and he didn’t disagree.

He’d done several shoots for men’s athletic magazines when he was in college that highlighted his strength. He’d listened to Myung-Soo talk angles and cameras and lighting ever since they were sixteen. That was what Eun-Sang wanted—his strength to intimidate other men away from her.

He almost called Myung-Soo to ask him for some pointers. Myung-Soo definitely took quality naked pictures of himself for the people he slept with.

And if he was going to send Eun-Sang pictures that included his hard dick, he wasn’t going to half-ass it.

It took him about forty-five minutes to get three shots he was comfortable with—one in the bathtub, one in their bed, and the other was just a naked mirror selfie. He sent the pictures to her and got dressed. He’d set up his phone to remind him when she landed. To his shock, the first thing she did when she landed was send him a picture.

Turnabout is fair play. Do I look ravished? I took this last night after we fucked.

Young-Do nearly swallowed his tongue. No wonder Rachel spent so much time trying to convince Eun-Sang to model for her. Myung-Soo would kill for a model like her. He didn’t know what to say for nearly three minutes. Are we sexting?

Probably not. Those are very hot pictures of you. Thank you.

Let me know when you’re checked into your hotel. He set his phone aside and tried to go back to sleep. He laid there for a few moments and wondered why he told her to check in with him. He hadn’t ever done that with a woman before but it was something he would do whenever Hyo-Shin left his room at the hotel late at night. He growled into his pillow. He didn’t want his relationship with Eun-Sang to resemble anything like his friendship with Hyo-Shin. He didn’t want her to have that much power over him.

He shut down his cell phone and tried to sleep. He ignored the empty space beside him and threw her pillow on the floor. He was cranky when he woke up despite getting a good six hours uninterrupted sleep. Young-Do went down to his gym and worked out before going into the office. Hyun-Shik clearly knew he was in a mood when he brought him coffee with absolutely no sweetener.

“It should be nearing five in California,” he said. “Tell Seo Gyung I want an update on the first round of meetings before ten their time.”

“Yes, President Choi. Chief Go is here with his daily briefing.”

“Send him in.” He scratched at his eyebrows and drank most of his coffee. Go Nam-Il set a folder in front of him and Young-Do tilted his head as he went through the report. “I didn’t ask for this.”

“No, President Choi, you did not. But it is my job to protect you from whatever liabilities may arise.”

Parole next year was too short. It had only been three years of a fifteen year sentence. He tried not to swallow the fear choking his throat too obviously. His eyes stung and he remembered how long his rehabilitation took after he came out of his medically induced coma. Fifteen broken bones, not including his right orbital socket and jaw. He spent more money on plastic surgery than most models.

He deserved it. He nearly lost the company. His pain was a small price to pay.

“Thank you, Nam-Il.”

“I would like to discuss security measures for your new home. I understand President Cha did not want to live at the hotel but it is a vulnerability right now. I have several personnel recommendations for you both.”

“He doesn’t know where I’m living. I haven’t told him. Eun-Sang was very clear during our marriage negotiations. Only the steward and the cook. Our steward…is special forces. He will be enough.”

“Former President Choi Dong-Wook continues to have loyalists inside the company.” He paused. “If it can only be those two, I have a new recommendation for a chef.”

He shook his head and swallowed again. “Eun-Sang won’t understand. She likes Ha-Jin. We don’t know if he’s getting out next year. He has a temper, Nam-Il. He’s going to go off on a prison guard or correctional employee soon enough and this will be moot. I’ll focus on putting him someplace nice for retirement.”

Nam-Il looked like he wanted to say something for a few seconds before he rose to his feet and bowed. “Yes, President Choi.”

“What is it you’re not saying?”

Again he hesitated. “President Choi, there is a common misconception that men like your father can’t control their tempers. It is the opposite. When he loses his temper, it is on purpose to manipulate those around him. I believe he is capable of manipulating the prison officials into getting him an early release.”

Men like his father.

He’s abusing you. You don’t deserve this. He could’ve really hurt you. Young-Do pushed aside the memory of Hyo-Shin applying ointment to his bruises.

It’s just judo.

No, it’s not. Get a different teacher at least. Please. For me.

He was nineteen when he found Go Nam-Il to teach him. He brought him into the competitive arena and Young-Do discovered that without filial piety hanging over him, he could win—fairly—without hurting anyone permanently. When Nam-Il got fired from the Blue House, Young-Do immediately offered him a job. He didn’t regret it. Even when his teacher offered criticisms of his father.

“Thank you for your input,” he said quietly. “I will consider it seriously.”

“Yes, President Choi.” Nam-Il bowed and left. Hyun-Shik kept a steady stream of meetings going until Seo Gyung sent his report of the first round of meetings. It included a great deal of good information but none of it what he wanted. There were no specifics on Eun-Sang. He made a disgusted sound that had Hyun-Shik bringing him a bottle of water and reminding him that he needed to eat lunch.

It was a relief when Myung-Soo texted him to get together for dinner outside of Zeus. He already knew how stifling his home would feel. What he needed was a drink after not hearing directly from Eun-Sang before she probably went to bed.

“Oh shit,” Myung-Soo said when he sat down at the club’s bar. “You fucking miss her.”

“I do not. She’s only been gone a day.” He ordered his usual beer before making Myung-Soo pick a somewhat quiet corner. “She hasn’t been gone long enough for me to miss her.”

Myung-Soo drank half of his drink and his eyebrows went up. “There is nothing wrong with missing your wife. You should meet her at the airport with flowers. I’ll send some whispers out and they can get cute pictures.”

“She’s not that sentimental.”

“That’s what makes it a cute surprise.” Young-Do ignored him and tried to change the subject to Myung-Soo’s work since his friend could babble for hours. It worked for about thirty minutes and two orders of fried chicken before Myung-Soo caught on. He nudged Young-Do with his shoulder and he had to sigh. He briefly closed his eyes.

“I have to go to Lee Bo-Na’s annual pool party. Hyo-Shin is living with them.”

Myung-Soo let out a low breath. “Lee Bo-Na has a huge estate. I’m sure you can avoid each other. It’s a good business opportunity. No cameras are allowed. People can just talk without worry of saving face. Hyo-Shin is going to avoid you. He knows he fucked up.”

Did he? It didn’t feel that way.

I’m not going to apologize for doing the right thing.

“He was at my house last weekend. Eun-Sang babysat Lee Bo-Na’s children and he came to pick them up for her. It made things weird between me and Eun-Sang.” He knocked back the rest of his beer.

“I know you have to have kids. How was it?” Young-Do just shrugged. He didn’t know how to articulate any of his feelings on that morning.

“They’re loud, like birds. The oldest girl likes cars. I showed her the inside of the one I’m working on for the vintage car show next year.” He was grateful Myung-Soo didn’t tease him. “Did you know? That Hyo-Shin dated Eun-Sang?”

Myung-Soo looked away. “No. I wouldn’t do that to you. I hadn’t heard anything about him in over a year. Does it bother you?”

“Yes.” If he couldn’t be honest with Myung-Soo, then he couldn’t be honest with anyone. “It’s interfering with my sleep.”

[gwynne-fics]

Becoming Royals

aching responsibilities

“Why did you do that?” Young-Do closed the doors to his room and kept his voice down. He didn’t like that Rachel was shaking and pale. There was always tea on his desk so he poured her some. “The King--”

“You cannot give him any inkling that you might be someone else’s son. He cannot believe that’s an option. It is better that you put your fingers inside me and witness that humiliation than for a blood drop test to be asked for.” He almost didn’t hear her, she whispered it so softly.

Young-Do swallowed. “I already passed a blood drop test when I was born. Both Myung-Soo and I did. I wish I was someone else’s son but I’m not.” Rachel’s eyes widened and he looked away painfully. “We don’t look like him and after the year it took my mother, he thought she might have taken another lover. There were rumors but the test proved the truth. Rachel--”

“I am incapable of taking another man to bed just to get pregnant. I want no suspicion that my child is anyone’s but yours. I am hurt you even suggested it. There is no way for me to win if he calls your bluff. If I refuse the man you let me pick, I am infertile. If I accept him, I ruin us. If he gets me pregnant, it will humiliate the king. That is not worth being right. I am so angry with you right now.”

He flinched and knew she was right. This was why he hated his temper. He always said things he didn’t mean to make the situation worse for the people he cared about. “I’m sorry. I know you would never do that. You aren’t...I have no right to give you to another man either. My anger is not an excuse. I’m so sorry, Rachel.”

He tried to wipe her eyes and when she hugged him, he held onto her tightly and stroked her hair. Before he could calm her down a court lady announced his mother. “Queen Kyung-Ran.”

Mother entered and dismissed the court lady. “He is going to punish me for your outburst,” she said bluntly. “Why would you question his virility that way, my son? You know he takes that out the concubines and court ladies. It is worse now that he is completely impotent. It is possible that the princess’ inability to get pregnant is due to your seed not being capable but you can never confront him with that fact again. Do you understand?”

“I understand, Omeoni.” He got down on his knees and bowed his forehead to the floor. A few seconds later, he felt Rachel join him as her skirts rustled.

“I also take responsibility for your anger, my queen,” she said. “Young-Do was trying to protect me from the king’s displeasure with my empty womb. I will mind my tongue in the future and accept the king’s censure without comment.”

“Oh, my children...” Mother encouraged them both to their feet. “I am completely aware that this is my king’s wrong,” she whispered. “He should not treat either of you this way. I am chiding Young-Do because there is no way to take responsibility for this. Until he dies, Dong-Wook is king. Lady Hyun-Joo is never wrong. Please just bear with biting your tongue for another year and a half. The king is right in one thing. He fathered two princes within a year. Rachel will get pregnant. I promise you. You are still young, my son. It will happen by you and not another man.”

Young-Do wanted Mother to be right more than anything. Another knock at his door caused them all to stiffen. “Queen Kyung-Ran, the king would like you speak with him in his rooms.”

“Stay with Rachel,” Young-Do said as he stepped in front of his mother. “I will answer his insult as I am the one that gave it. It’s almost time for his morning medicine anyway. Maybe I can get him to sleep it off before court.”

He left before either woman could protest. He went directly to his father’s rooms and wasn’t surprised to find him angrily pacing. He was clutching at his left arm and looked pained. “I didn’t ask for you. Kyung-Ran--”

“I am an adult,” Young-Do didn’t bother to bow or give any ceremony. “I can accept my own punishments, Abeoji. You know I love my wife and I cannot be with anyone but her. I dislike her being blamed for the lack of a child.”

“It is her fault! It is always her fault! The throne cannot afford to be questioned in anyway! You must take a concubine to show that the Lee Jae-Shin does not hold power over the throne. That is why my father sent the first daughter to Khitan. Lee Jae-Shin--”

“Cares about his granddaughters! He does not treat them as if they failed him for not being boys.” Young-Do hadn’t forgotten that he was supposed to be placating his father but it was so hard to rein in his temper on this subject. “Woo-Hee and Rachel are not bargaining pieces to him and that is admirable, my king. He will absolutely withdraw his renewed support for the armies rice subsidies from his province if he learns that Rachel’s integrity as my wife has been questioned. There can be no public inspections.”

“I picked her to be our hostage,” Father’s face was very red and he struggled to breathe. “We have to show them that her life is in our hands. It is because they care so much about her that you must allow the physicians to inspect her in front of me--”

“No!” Young-Do shouted it just as Father fell back against his bed, clutching his heart. He watched him struggle for a few seconds before falling unconscious. Young-Do stared for a few seconds before going to his father’s side. He took his pulse and tried to remember what Hyun-Joo taught him. “I want a physician NOW!”

His shout resulted in a flurry of movement. He was pushed aside a few minutes later. Father’s lips were blue but he started breathing a few moments later. Young-Do backed into a corner, out of the way. Father didn’t regain consciousness for nearly an hour.

“It was a heart event,” he was told. “It is not his first one. We must watch his diet and keep him calm.”

It was then that Young-Do noticed that Hyun-Joo wasn’t in the room. He thanked the physician and went to go find her. She was in the kitchens brewing something. She smiled at him faintly and tilted her head. “Since my prediction of his life line, I am forbidden to care for him. Tell me what his pulse felt like.”

Young-Do tried to describe it. He ignored the faint smirk as she kept her gaze focused on the pot in front of her. 

“You must be careful when you decide to speak truth to him, my prince,” she said as she put together a tray and handed it to him. “He will not survive the next one.”

[gwynne-fics]

wei50-blog replied to your post “Becoming Royals aching responsibilities “Why did you do that?”...”

Yes! Be angry at Young-Do!!! Glad he saw that Rachel was right, and that she was not property! Can already see how Young-Do and Rachel are going to be King and Queen! Basically if he listens to her, everything will be fine! True that Rachel could have not engaged the King at all, even though it would be so hard. But maybe better for Rachel to hold her thoughts than what actually did happen?

It was probably better for Rachel to also hold her tongue, but Young-Do absolutely picked the exact things he knew would spin up his father. (Kids can be like that sometimes >.>) But both of them have too much integrity to just agree with the King outright, so they are going to try and push back--no matter where that gets them.

Ah, suspected that the blood drop test can be faked! No wonder there isn’t speculation in the court about the legitimacy of the King’s sons. Wonder what Rachel thinks now? Does she trust what she saw with her eyes or what he said about the test? 

Mostly, Rachel is very impressed with the queens because there is no doubt in her mind that Young-Do and Myung-Soo are Go Nam-Il’s sons.

So the King wants to show Lord Lee that Rachel’s entire being is now under his total control? Didn’t it not go so well when they sent his oldest daughter away as a tribute to Khitan? Stepped down as PM and refused Esther to the crown prince at the time? Wow, so the inspections are not a private… ugh. Is that normal practice, or just something the King is doing to make things worse? (Ya know, Young-Do’s fingers inside Rachel does not have to be humiliation!)

Dong-Wook thinks that this time he will win with Rachel as his hostage. She is supposed to be the vehicle through which Jae-Shin exercises his power. But Dong-Wook didn’t expect to fight Young-Do on this. To the king, it makes no sense that Young-Do would just trust his wife in anything. Young-Do should want to know why she can’t get pregnant. Young-Do should want to have that control over Rachel.

The inspections used to be just the chief physician, the king, and his queen. But Dong-Wook made Kyung-Ran’s inspections happen before the court when he was just crown prince to prove to everyone that his princess was virtuous. Since Jae-Kyung got pregnant right away, she was never publicly inspected.

Young-Do personally inspecting Rachel could potentially be fun for both of them but for him, it is the principle that matters more. He never wants her inspected in front of the king, by another man, or in front of the court. So he’s going to hold that line as long as he can or kill anyone who tries to touch her.

It’s not the best plan.

Good Young-Do is starting to come out of the shadow of his father, but he needs to be careful to not appear so to the king. Too many others he loves are hostage in the palace. Also good he doesn’t let others take responsibility for his temper, although not sure if he made things worse again because he didn’t back down at all with the king! Once the King recovers,…

Wow, wonder if Young-Do wanted to delay his shout for help… Looks like the King already had symptoms of a heart attack when Young-Do entered, probably from the stress of their heated words earlier. Hm, now he needs to stay calm for his health? Is that even possible for him? The next one will kill him? And could this weakness be used?

>.>

<.<

>.>

Hyun-Joo can’t care for the King now? Because she may try to make her prediction true? Well, it is starting to come true, apparently. Why would the King ask for a prediction in the first place, knowing that one of the best physicians won’t be able to care for him?

Well, she’s a woman, so she obviously doesn’t know what she’s talking about. The other physicians are telling the king what he wants to hear--that he’s immortal and will live forever. She’s trusted to care for members of the court and the queens but not for the king. Hyun-Joo is being “punished” for being honest.

But since she used to be the Head Court Lady, she is very good at making medicine. So they let her do that >.>

[gwynne-fics]

Becoming Royals

separation p3

Rachel wasn’t expecting Hyo-Shin. Lee Chan-Hyuk was coming personally to congratulate her on her pending move to the palace but Hyo-shin was not supposed to be part of the delegation. Mother said this was a test. Queen Kyung-Ran made her dislike of the man very clear. 

“His son and mine are very close. I worry about the day that Young-Do might have to exile the entire family. I worry he might hesitate because of his love for Lee Hyo-Shin. Lee Chan-Hyuk wants to be prime minister since he cannot be king. He tried to engage Lee Hyo-Shin to Lee Bo-Na but our king refused the match.”

“Lee Bo-Na? The king’s first choice?”

Queen Kyung-Ran laughed softly and patted her hand. “She can best my son in half of their matches. That is not the stuff love is made of. Her father is General Lee and he taught her along with the boys. She a very sweet girl, a kind boy, and just recently discovered dressing up like a lady. You will like her, I think, and she will be a good friend inside the palace. The other ladies don’t like her because she’s so familiar with the princes.”

Rachel heard the lesson poignantly. She reminded herself not to make the mistake she did with Jeon Hyun-Joo. Learning about this entire other life that Young-Do had was difficult. Mother tried to prepare her for leaving everything she’d ever known. She promised to send Eun-Sang with her after Rachel begged on her knees for it. But Young-Do wasn’t giving up his entire world. His friends would still be there for him.

So the sight of Hyo-Shin racing through the city surprised her. Normally, a courier was simply sent ahead, not the first son. Rachel came out into the courtyard as hostlers took his horse and tried not to be jealous she didn’t have one anymore.

He was pale and disheveled and her stomach sank. She rarely ever saw Hyo-Shin scared and panicked. He met her eyes and she just...knew. “Is he hurt?”

“The bridge collapsed and his shoulder had to be put back in. He held it up for almost an hour so the trapped workers got out. No one died and there are very few broken bones.” Hyo-Shin swallowed and she tried not to cry. He ignored all decorum and hugged her tightly. “His letter is on its way. Rachel, my father sabotaged the bridge with rotten wood. He paid the inspectors to ignore it. I’m trying to find proof past what he’s said to me but it is not easy. Whatever he is trying to get you to do, you cannot do it.”

Rachel buried her face in his shoulder. “He held a bridge up on his own back?”

“They are calling it proof he has the heavens on his side. Rachel, it is too soon for him to be this popular and it makes the king...anxious. Once he heals, once you are pregnant, the king will send him to war. My father cannot become the king’s prime minister. Young-Do...” He choked on his name and Rachel pulled back to look up at him. His face was stained with tears and he looked so broken.

“Oh,” she whispered and her heart ached for them both. “Why didn’t you tell me that the crown prince was your first love? I already knew it was a man. Did you think I would be distraught and jealous?”

“You were distraught and jealous,” he tried to make it a joke and she pulled out her handkerchief to wipe his face. “I was not going to make it worse.” He pulled her hand away from his face and tried to regain his composure. “I know how smart you are. You cannot avoid my father. I just...you need all the information you can get. Our prince misses you. Prince Myung-Soo keeps trying to get him out of the palace and into the pavilion but it isn’t working very well.”

Rachel looked away. “He promised himself to me. Prince Myung-Soo should respect it.”

“I cannot wait for him to meet you. The palace is unprepared for you and it will be fantastic to watch them scramble to keep up. I need to speak with the queen. You have about an hour before my father arrives. I outpaced the courier. He doesn’t know I came.”

“Eun-Sang is preparing your room. She’ll help you clean up and sneak back to the palace after you speak with the Queen. Thank you.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek before she gathered her skirts up into her hands and ran back into the house and started giving orders to prepare the house. Then she went to her mother to ask her advice. Rachel spilled everything Hyo-Shin told her out in a rush and could not sit still. “Tell me what to do, Omma. I’m not ready for this.”

“You are,” Mother said firmly. “Sit down and I will give you the questions you need to ask him to remind him that convincing you is the most important thing. Do not be intimidated simply because his the minister of justice. It is no different than talking to any of the guild leaders into donating for your school.”

Rachel closed her eyes and sunk to her knees. “He hurt Young-Do. I cannot forgive that.”

“No one is asking you to.” Mother took her hand and cupped her cheek. “But you must wait until you have the power to punish him. You are good at choosing your words. You can do it now.”

“I still don’t know why the king chose me. I am from the outskirts of the country. I know nothing about what is going on in the palace. Abeoji is dead and not a political player. I’ve spent the last few years working on community projects. I looked at our star maps, Omma. There is nothing special about our stars.”

Mother sighed when she stood and started pacing. “Why would you look at such useless things? And why would you discount your community efforts? Queen Kyung-Ran has mentioned them several times. I’ve allowed you to run our household for the last year with minimal supervision. You’ve handled all our guests and they know it. Word gets around Rachel. I’ve made sure of it. My family is still very influential. Your grandfather still sits on Dong-Wook’s council.”

That shocked her. She didn’t know Mother thought she should be queen. There was a quiet knock and one of the servants announced the courier. Rachel stopped pacing and Mother stood. “I should get Min-Ki up from his nap. Attend her majesty.”

“Yes, Omeoni.” Rachel found Queen Kyung-Ran sitting in the garden, one of her ladies fanning her while they fixed her makeup. Rachel bowed and waited for her to acknowledge her.

“This man is trying to kill my son because he knows he will be a better king than his father,” she whispered dully. Queen Kyung-Ran closed her eyes and Rachel knelt down beside her and took her hand. “He believes Myung-Soo is weak and easy to influence. Now my king will be paranoid and take it out on my Young-Do. He has come to gloat.”

“I will not let him. Young-Do is strong, my queen. I watched him dispatch the Kim’s men. Holding a bridge on his shoulders is the least he could do as the crown prince to show he can carry his people.”

Queen Kyung-Ran slowly smiled and then kissed her hand. “I doubted my king’s choice before I came here. I am glad to be wrong. Stand up. I am sorry but I will have to cut your lessons short. I think you will do well in the palace but if Young-Do is hurt, I cannot remain.”

“I understand, my queen.” She wished with all her heart she could go with her. Rachel bowed and waited for the table to be set and drinks set out. She was not good at serving men drinks. Mother called it her one flaw. This afternoon, it would have to be a strength. Lee Chan-Hyuk arrived and even though they had met several times over the years, she disliked him even more now that she knew he was trying to take a position that did not belong to him.

Hyo-Shin looked nothing like him, yet people constantly praised him for being the spitting image of his father when he was young. Rachel thought someone was lying. Pleasantries and formalities were exchanged before they sat down to eat. Rachel poured his tea and ignored the way he looked at her.

“It is a pity my son never saw you as more than a friend. I encouraged him but he insisted it wasn’t possible. Is that true on your end, Lady Rachel? A fine woman is capable of changing a man’s mind and you are quite the woman.”

She sipped her tea and tried to find a truthful yet diplomatic answer. Her feelings for Hyo-Shin disappeared the moment she caught Eun-Sang blushing over him the day they’d gone to the lake and he’d stripped down to go swimming. She’d been fourteen at the time. It was easy to let go of that crush for Eun-Sang. Once she understood their obligations better, she decided she didn’t want to be in a situation where she had to compete with her Eun-Sang over a man’s heart.

And once they were seventeen, Hyo-Shin looked at Eun-Sang with such an intense longing to match. It had been much too fun to play the game of whispered secrets, knowing each was in love with the other but not in a position to make any sort of love confession.

“Yes. We met as children and saw each other grow up. It is awkward to think of him in any other context. I am glad that he is friends with my prince. I don’t think any other man would be as understanding.” Rachel felt a tiny thrill at the smug smirk he tried to keep to himself. He thought he was winning. Mother said that was important to let men believe they were winning all the way until the moment they weren’t.

“To your continued friendship with Lee Hyo-Shin.” Rachel inclined her head gracefully and caught Mother’s faint approval. “I have heard rumors that our prince is in love with you and looking to fund one of your community projects in the capitol. I am eager to support our new crown princess. I hope to work well with you in the future, Lady Rachel.”

She had to tread softly here. “And what is it you are looking for in return? I must be careful, Minister Lee. My relationship to our prince is new. I wish it to continue to be good. I want him to trust me when I speak. I know he has reservations about the position ever since the rebellion with Kim Nam-Yoon. And when I ask him for favors, I want him to grant them.”

“It is no secret I want the king to name me as prime minister.” Rachel tried not to be shocked that he just came out and said it until she realized he thought that because she was a woman, she wouldn’t understand his point subtly. He looked down on her and it burned warmly under her skin. She’d just hinted that Young-Do confided his thoughts to her! He should’ve taken the hint.

“Alright. Convince me of your qualifications, Minister Lee. If you can convince me, my honesty to my prince will come through.”